Felony Drug Possession in Florida and Nationwide

An “illegal drugs” possession arrest may be a misdemeanor charge or a felony charge in Florida and Nationwide. The charge will depend on the type of drug (in Florida certain types of drugs will automatically be a felony charge). The crime itself will also play a part. If the possession is found during another crime considered aggravated or in a school area, a felony charge is likely.

The Classification of Drugs

In Florida as well as states nationwide drugs are divided into categories called “Schedules.” Most classifications are adopted from, the Federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA); drugs are categorized by medical value related to the drug’s potential for addiction. Most states’ laws have five schedules, with Schedule I being most dangerous and Schedule V the least.

The Amount and Type of the Drug

Drug possession charges as a felony result when a person has possessed a particular drug that is in a schedule considered most dangerous. For example, in Florida and most states, heroin possession in any amount is a felony because it is classified as a Schedule 1 drug.

The amount of the drug in possession can also result in felony rather than misdemeanor charges. For instance, in some states marijuana is legal but possessing over an accepted amount without regulated approval is still a felony.

Intent to Sell or Possession for Personal Use

Many times a person using drugs is the only victim but selling those drugs is seen differently. Simply, “A user harms only himself; a seller harms many”.

Drug possession for personal use typically carries less severe charges than possession with the intent to sell. The difference in punishment will vary state to state and reflect how the local law views the harm of the crime.

An arrest with large quantities of any drug, you are likely to be charged with possession with the intent to sell, as it is unlikely that you will use the large quantity for yourself. Drug sales is a more serious crime, possession of drugs with the intent to sell is more than often a felony.

Aggravating Factors

An arrest may become a felony if the crime involves one or more “aggravating factors,” even if the drug possession is a misdemeanor. Each state’s aggravating factors are listed in the state’s drug possession laws. These lists often include but are not limited to the following types of possession:

repeat drug offenders

possession involving a more serious crime

School zone, bus stop and near child centers

Public building, land, housing

drug treatment facility

Call an Experienced Federal Drug Crime Defense Attorney

Contact the Law Office of Paul J. Donnelly, P.A. at 305-757-3331 to discuss about your criminal case. Our team of professionals will help you throughout the case and protect your rights. We are serving in Miami & throughout the state of Florida.